Online anatomy education during the Covid-19 pandemic: Opinions of medical, speech therapy, and BSc Anatomy students

With the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, it was difficult to predict if the cadaveric-based (golden) standard of teaching anatomy would be possible in the unforeseeable future. This forced traditional anatomical teaching and learning practices to be transitioned to remote online platforms. This study explored the opinions of anatomy students (n = 51), on their online learning experience of anatomy during the Covid-19 pandemic. A mixed methods approach using a descriptive, exploratory study design was conducted, by use of an online survey. The survey consisted of a six-point Likert scale and was assembled into four sub-categories. Likert scale options ranged from; strongly disagree, to strongly agree, and not applicable. Results obtained seem to tally with expectations, indicating an adequate theoretical course component with room to improve practical online teaching. Most participants had a positive perception of the theoretical course content, duration, and platforms of communication. Virtual classes were simple to navigate with few technical difficulties experienced by the participants. Students also noted having access to sufficient study material, videos, and additional online material. Overall, more than half of all participants reported adapting well to the remote learning environment, however, the greatest challenge experienced highlighted a sense of deprivation from the lack of cadaver exposure and hands-on instruction. This research highlighted the effects of the pandemic on the modality of anatomy education and how it affected students. Although anatomy is multi-modal, it can be concluded that it is possible to achieve academic success by using online learning methods.

Automated summary

With the Covid-19 pandemic, traditional anatomical teaching had to shift to remote online platforms. This study explored the experiences of anatomy students during the pandemic and found that most participants had a positive perception of the theoretical course content and virtual classes. However, the lack of cadaver exposure and hands-on instruction was a significant challenge.